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Mathematics A Level (Distance Learning) at National Extension College *Fees Payable*

Course description

**DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE**

An A level in maths demonstrates a level of intelligence and sharpness of mind that will be attractive to employers and universities regardless of the specific role or course you want to get into. Our home study course introduces you to all the advanced concepts you need to be familiar with to gain this qualification, such as coordinate geometry, curve sketching and calculus. Whatever your background or your plans, an A level in maths will sharpen your thinking and boost your credentials, and is essential for anyone wishing to study maths or a maths-related subject at degree level.

You should allow for between 250 and 300 hours' study time, plus additional time for completing assignments. You will have tutor support for a period of up to 18 months from the date of enrolment.

Course content

Unit C1: Core Maths 1

Algebra

Curve sketching

Inequalities and equations

Coordinate geometry

Sequences and series

Indices

Calculus

Unit C2: Core Maths 2

Algebra

Coordinate geometry

Sequences

Trigonometry

Exponentials and logarithms

Differentiation

Integration

Unit C3: Core Maths 3

Algebra

Functions

The modulus function and further transformation of graphs

Trigonometry

Exponentials and logarithms

Differentiation

Numerical methods

Unit C4: Core Maths 4

Partial fractions and the binomial expansion

Differentiation

Integration

First-order differential equations

Parameters

Vectors

Unit D1: Decision Maths

Algorithms

Graphs

Using weighted graphs in practical problem solving

The route inspection problem

Critical path analysis

Linear programming

Matchings

Unit S1: Statistics 1

Mathematical models in statistics

Representing data I: frequency distribution

Representing data II: measures of location

Representing data III: measures of dispersion

Probability

Correlation and regression

Discrete random variables

The normal distribution

Unit S2: Statistics 2

The binomial and Poisson distributions

Continuous random variables

Continuous distributions

Hypothesis tests

Unit M1: Mechanics 1

Mathematical models in mechanics

Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line

Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line

Statics of a particle and motion on an inclined plane

Moments

Vectors in mechanics

Unit M2: Mechanics 2

Kinematics of a particle

Centres of mass

Work and energy

Collisions

Statics of rigid bodies

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course, but we advise that you have studied maths at GCSE or equivalent level.

Assessment

This course follows specifications 8371 (AS), 8373 (AS/Pure) and 9371 (A2) from the awarding organisation Edexcel. Full details of the specifications can be obtained from Edexcel's website.

Six exams: each 1hr30m (16.7% of marks)

Seven AS assignments, seven A2 assignmentsNo coursework

Please note that due to upcoming changes the final opportunity to sit exams for this course isSummer 2018.

Financial information

**FEES PAYABLE**

It’s your choice: pay in full and discount your course fees, or spread the cost with our finance offer. To pay in instalments, you will need to enrol by telephone.